Helpful Tips for Detailing Your Own Car
Most people are very possessive about their car and don’t like giving it up to others unless there’s a solid reason to do so, such as cleaning, detailing, or repair. Professional detailing may take anywhere between $100 and $500 depending on the work, but you’ll receive high quality service and your car will look more impressive than ever. However, it is possible to avoid the fees altogether. Here are some tips for detailing your own car.
The two-bucket formula
The two-bucket wash method is the best way to clean your car’s exterior. One bucket is used to hold soapy water while the other is used to hold simply clean water. This way, before dipping your cleaning cloth into the suds again, you can rinse it off in the clean water bucket first. Without the clean water to rinse the dirt off your cloth, you could be moving dirt across your vehicle’s paint, which could cause scrapes and scratches.
Microfiber cloths are the in-thing
Many professional detailers use color-coded and task-specific microfiber cloths and towels to achieve a better clean. These super soft towels are gentle on your car’s exterior while still grabbing all of the dirt and grime from the paint. When you’re done using a microfiber cloth, be sure to wash it separate from regular clothes or laundry, as the microfibers can trap small dust particles from other materials. Also be sure to use a small amount of detergent and don’t use fabric softeners.
Use a buffer and a towel
Use a buffer only to apply wax and then use a soft cloth to remove it. This will ensure the paint is not burnt and the coating is not damaged so you can get a thin, even wax coat. Don’t get confused by the tool’s name; don’t go for a power buffer to remove wax or polish from the car’s surface. A power buffer can leave marks on the clear coat and paint, as it is not the ideal buffer for use on cars.
Even with these helpful tips, you may find that it’s difficult to get the same result as a professional detailer. If you choose to go the professional route, check out online reviews, ask for samples or references, ask a lot of questions, and have a proper contract documented before beginning any work.
This is a collaborative article.
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